Method and apparatus for measuring face angle

ABSTRACT

A method ( 250 ) and apparatus ( 20 ) for measuring the face angle of a golf club ( 300 ), golf club head ( 302 ) or face component ( 304 ) of a golf club head is disclosed herein. The method ( 250 ) and apparatus ( 20 ) use a non-contact displacement measuring assembly ( 24 ) to determine the face angle. The method ( 250 ) and apparatus ( 20 ) is utilized with right-handed and left handed golf clubs ( 300 ), golf club heads ( 302 ) and face components ( 304 ). The apparatus ( 20 ) generally includes a base assembly ( 22 ), a non-contact displacement measuring assembly ( 24 ), a shaft center sensor assembly ( 26 ), a base plate assembly ( 28 ), a lie adjustment assembly ( 30 ) and a shaft support assembly ( 32 ).

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The Present Application is a Continuation Application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/708,683, filed on Mar. 18, 2004 now U.S. Pat.No. 7,164,473.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for measuringthe face angle of a golf club, golf club head or golf club head facecomponent.

2. Description of the Related Art

Face angle is roughly defined as a static measurement of how open orclosed a club face is relative to a target line. This is usuallydetermined by the sole design and the angular relationship between theshaft and the club head, which is called the bore angle. Measurement ofthe face angle of a golf club or golf club head is difficult, and proneto operator error.

One device currently used to measure face angle is a M-300 device. Anoperator will place a golf club in the device and attempt to determinethe “keel point” of the club head. The keel point is a contact point ofthe sole with a predetermined line on the ground. Operator error inusing the M-300 can cause the measurement to be completely inaccurate.Thus, the industry requires a more objective method and apparatus tomeasure face angle.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an objective method and apparatus formeasuring the face angle of a golf club, golf club head or facecomponent of the golf club head. The present invention allows for thecenter of gravity equilibrium point of a golf club to be simulated inorder to find the face angle of the golf club, golf club head or facecomponent of the golf club head.

One aspect of the present invention is an apparatus for measuring theface angle of a golf club, a golf club head or a face component. Theapparatus comprises a base, a base plate assembly, a non-contactdisplacement measuring assembly, a lie adjustment assembly, a shaftsupport assembly, a shaft center sensor assembly and an operatorinterface terminal. The base plate assembly is positioned on the baseand is capable of X-Y movement relative to the base. The non-contactdisplacement measuring assembly comprises a face center locating device,a plurality of non-contact displacement measuring devices, a verticalmovement device and a horizontal movement device. The non-contactdisplacement measuring assembly is positioned on the base forward of thebase plate assembly. The lie adjustment assembly is positioned on thebase rearward of the base plate assembly. The lie adjustment assemblycomprises a lie scale plate, an arm and a guide support plate. The shaftsupport assembly is attached to the guide support plate of the lieadjustment assembly. The shaft support assembly comprises a shaftsupport arm and a shaft support device with an aperture. The shaftcenter sensor assembly is attached to the arm of the lie adjustmentassembly above the base plate assembly. The operator interface terminalis positioned on the base.

Another aspect of the present invention is a method for measuring theface angle of a golf club, a golf club head or a face component. Themethod commences with orienting the golf club, the golf club head or theface component on a base plate of an apparatus. Next, a face centerlocating device is aligned with a center point of a face of the golfclub, golf club head or the face component. Next, the face angle golfclub, golf club head or face component is determined by measuring thedistance of a plurality of non-contact displacement measuring devices,at least two of the plurality of non-contact displacement measuringdevices positioned on opposite sides of the face center locating device.

Another aspect of the present invention is a method for measuring theface angle of a golf club. The method commences with placing a golf clubhead of the golf club on a tacky surface of a base plate of anapparatus. Next, a shaft of the golf club is placed in a shaft supportassembly. Next, the shaft is aligned with a lie angle of a golf club ona lie scale plate of the apparatus. Next, the shaft of the golf club iscentered within a shaft center censor assembly of the apparatus. Next, aface center locating device is aligned with a center point of a face ofthe golf club. Next, the face angle of the golf club is determined bymeasuring the distance of a plurality of non-contact displacementmeasuring devices, at least two of the plurality of non-contactdisplacement measuring devices positioned on opposite sides of the facecenter locating device.

Yet another aspect of the present invention is a method for measuringthe face angle of a golf club head. The method commences with attachinga mandrel to the golf club head. The mandrel simulates a shaft for thegolf club head. Next, the golf club head is placed on a smooth surfaceof a base plate of an apparatus. Next, the mandrel attached to the golfclub is placed in a shaft support assembly. Next, the mandrel is alignedwith a lie angle for the golf club head on a lie scale plate of theapparatus. Next, the mandrel attached to the golf club head is centeredwithin a shaft center censor assembly of the apparatus. Next, a facecenter locating device is aligned with a center point of a face of thegolf club head. Next, the face angle of the golf club head is determinedby measuring the distance of a plurality of non-contact displacementmeasuring devices, at least two of the plurality of non-contactdisplacement measuring devices positioned on opposite sides of the facecenter locating device.

Yet another aspect of the present invention is a method for measuringthe face angle of a face component of a golf club head. The methodcommences with attaching a mandrel to face component. The mandrelsimulates a shaft for the golf club head. Next, the face component isplaced on a smooth surface of a base plate of an apparatus. Next, themandrel attached to the face component is placed in a shaft supportassembly. Next, the mandrel is aligned with a lie angle for the golfclub head on a lie scale plate of the apparatus. Next, the mandrelattached to the face component is centered within a shaft center censorassembly of the apparatus. Next, a face center locating device isaligned with a center point of a face of the golf club head. Next, theface angle of the face component is determined by measuring the distanceof a plurality of non-contact displacement measuring devices, at leasttwo of the plurality of non-contact displacement measuring devicespositioned on opposite sides of the face center locating device.

Having briefly described the present invention, the above and furtherobjects, features and advantages thereof will be recognized by thoseskilled in the pertinent art from the following detailed description ofthe invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top perspective of an apparatus for measuring the face angleof a golf club, golf club head or face component.

FIG. 2 is an isolated perspective view of the laser assembly of theapparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an isolated perspective view of the shaft-center sensorassembly of the apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an isolated perspective view of the base plate assembly of theapparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is an isolated perspective view of the lie adjustment assembly ofthe apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is an isolated perspective view of the shaft support assembly ofthe apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is an isolated perspective view of the base assembly of theapparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is an isolated perspective view of a calibrating tool.

FIG. 9 is a front view of a golf club.

FIG. 10 is a heel-side view of a golf club head.

FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of a face component for a golf clubhead.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart of a general method of measuring a face angle.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart of a specific method of measuring a face angle.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a golf club within the apparatus andpositioned in front of a non-contact displacement measuring assembly.

FIG. 15 is a isolated view of an operator interface terminal of theapparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As shown in FIG. 1, an apparatus for measuring the face angle of a golfclub, a golf club head or a face component of a golf club head isdesignated 20. The apparatus 20 generally comprises a base assembly 22,a non-contact displacement measuring assembly 24, a shaft center sensorassembly 26, a base plate assembly 28, a lie adjustment assembly 30 anda shaft support assembly 32.

As shown in FIG. 2, the non-contact displacement measuring assembly 24generally comprises a housing 40, a face center locating device 42, aplurality of non-contact displacement measuring devices 44 and 46, ahorizontal movement device 48 and a vertical movement device 50. Apreferred face center locating device 42 is a primary laser 42 and apreferred plurality of non-contact displacement measuring devices 44 and46 are secondary lasers 44 and 46, which are all contained within thehousing 40. The vertical movement device 50 and the horizontal movementdevice 48 move the housing vertically and horizontally to align theprimary laser 42 with a physical face center point of a golf club, golfclub head or face component. A knob 52 allows an operator to adjust thehorizontal position of the primary laser 42 relative to the base plateassembly 28, and a knob 54 allows an operator to adjust the verticalposition of the primary laser 42 relative to the base plate assembly 28.

A preferred laser system is an OPTONCDT 1400 series system availablefrom MICRO-EPSILON. A laser optical displacement Sensor uses theprincipal of optical triangulation, implementing a visible, modulatedpoint of light that is projected onto the target surface. Depending onthe distance to the target surface, the diffused fraction of thereflection of this point of light is then focused onto a positionsensitive array of sensors by a receiving lens. The receiving lens andsensors are arranged at a certain angle with respect to the optical axisof the laser beam. A self contained controller calculates the measureddistance value, and is derived by the triangulated relationship betweenthe laser emitter point, the target point, and the receiving lens. Thepreferred laser is a class 2 red (670 nanometers) laser having a 1milliWatt semiconductor source, with a range of 20 millimeters. However,those skilled in the pertinent art will recognize that other non-contactdisplacement measuring sensors may be used with the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 3, the shaft center sensor assembly 26 generallycomprises a sensor device 60, an aperture 62 for placement of a shafttherein, sensor ports 64 and a bracket 66. A preferred sensor device 60is a FU-18 fiberoptic sensor from KEYENCE, which is a thrubeam devicewith a red LED detector having a maximum detecting distance of 1300millimeters.

As shown in FIG. 4, the base plate assembly 28 generally comprises abase plate 70 having a smooth surface 72 and a tacky surface 74 (notshown), a forward-rearward movement device 76, a lateral movement device78 and a frame 84 for holding the base plate 70. A knob 80 allows anoperator to adjust the forward or rearward position of the base plate70, and a knob 82 allows an operator to adjust the lateral movement ofthe base plate 70. The tacky surface 74 is used for measuring the faceangle of a golf club, and the smooth surface 72 is used for measuringthe face angle of a golf club head or face component.

As shown in FIG. 5, the lie adjustment assembly 30 generally comprises alie scale plate 90, an arm 92, a guide support plate 94 and anadjustment handle 96. The lie adjustment assembly 30 allows the operatorto set the golf club at its designated lie angle. As shown in FIG. 5,the arm 92 and guide support plate 94 are positioned for a right-handedgolf club, golf club head or face component. The arm 92 and guidesupport plate 94 would be switched to the opposite side of the lie scaleplate 90 in order to measure the face angle of a left-handed golf club,golf club head or face component.

As shown in FIG. 6, the shaft support assembly 32 generally comprises ashaft support arm 110, a V-block shaft support device 112 with aV-aperture 113 and an attachment knob 114. The shaft support assembly 32is attached to the guide support plate 94 of the lie adjustment assembly30. The butt end of a shaft is positioned within the V-aperture 113 ofthe V-block shaft support 112, approximately 5 inches from the top of agrip of the golf club.

As shown in FIG. 7, the base 22 generally comprises a housing 120 and aoperator interface terminal 122. A preferred operator interface terminal122 is a E-50 terminal available from Mitsubishi Electric. The apparatus20 is controlled by a programmable logic controller placed within thebase 22. The apparatus 20 is powered by alternating current.

As shown in FIG. 8, a calibrating tool 200 comprises a club head 202 anda shaft 204. The calibrating tool 200 has a zero degree face angle, andis used to calibrate the apparatus before measuring the face angle of agolf club, golf club head or face component.

An example of a golf club 300 is shown in FIG. 9. An example of a golfclub head 302 is shown in FIG. 10. An example of a face component 304for a golf club head is shown in FIG. 11, and such face components aredescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,582,323. As shown in FIG. 9, a face centerpoint is designated 310. The face center point 310 is the geocentricpoint of the face. In a preferred embodiment, the primary laser 42 isdirected at the face center point 310 to allow for the secondary lasers44 and 46 to determine the face angle of the golf club, golf club head,or face component. The mandrel 29 is used for measuring the face angleof golf club heads 302 and face components 304. The mandrel 29preferably has a mass of approximately 88 grams.

A general method 250 for measuring the face angle of a golf club, golfclub head or face component is shown in FIG. 12. First, at block 252,the golf club, golf club head or face component is oriented on the baseplate 70 of the base plate assembly 28 of the apparatus 20. Orientingcomprises simulating a center of gravity equilibrium status for the golfclub when held by a typical golfer with the sole of the club headresting on a level surface. As such, a golfer typically grasps the golfclub five inches from the top of the grip, and orienting attempts toposition the golf club, golf club head or face component in a similarorientation on the base plate 70.

Next, at block 254, a face center locating device 42 is aligned with aface center point 310 of the golf club, golf club head or facecomponent. In a preferred embodiment, a primary laser 42 is aligned withthe face center point 310. The primary laser 42 is positioned bymovement of the entire laser assembly 24 through use of the horizontalmovement device 48 and/or vertical movement device 50.

Next, at block 256, the face angle of the golf club, golf club head orface component is determined by measuring the distance of a plurality ofnon-contact displacement measuring devices. In a preferred embodiment,lasers 44 and 46 are utilized to determine the face angle. The distanceof laser 44 from its point of origin to the face is compared with thedistance of laser 46 from its point of origin to the face. Thismeasurement should not be taken on a scoreline since the depth of thescoreline would influence the results. If laser 44 is on the toe side ofthe face and laser 46 is on the heel side of the face, then if thedistance of laser 44 is longer than the distance of laser 46 the faceangle is open. Alternatively, if laser 44 is on the toe side of the faceand laser 46 is on the heel side of the face, then if the distance oflaser 44 is shorter than the distance of laser 46, the face angle isclosed. Yet further, if the distance of laser 44 and the distance oflaser 46 are equal, then the face angle is neutral or square.

A more specific method 260 for measuring the face angle of a golf clubis illustrated in FIG. 13. At block 261, a golf club head of the golfclub is placed on the base plate 70 of the base plate assembly 28 of theapparatus 20. For a golf club, the tacky surface 74 of the base plate 70is used to maintain the golf club in a fixed position. Alternatively,the smooth surface 72 of the base plate 70 should be used for a golfclub head or face component.

At block 262, the shaft of the golf club is placed within the shaftsupport assembly 32. Specifically, the shaft is placed within theV-aperture 113 of the V-block shaft support 112. The portion of theshaft resting within the V-aperture should be approximately five inchesfrom the top of the golf club.

Next, at block 263, the shaft is aligned with the lie angle of golf clubon the lie scale plate 90 of the lie adjustment assembly 30. If the golfclub has a fifty-eight degrees lie angle, then the lie adjustmentassembly 30 is set at fifty-eight degrees on the lie scale plate 90. Thelie scale plate 90 preferably has a scale that ranges from thirtydegrees to ninety degrees on its right hand side and thirty degrees toninety degrees on its left-hand side. The lie adjustment assembly 30 isadjusted for left-hand and right hand golf clubs.

At block 264, the shaft is centered within the aperture 62 of the sensordevice 60 of the shaft center sensor assembly 26 of the apparatus 20.The shaft is centered by maneuvering the base plate assembly 28 throughuse of the forward-rearward movement device 76 and the lateral movementdevice 78.

Next, at block 265, a face center locating device 42 is aligned with aface center point 310 of the golf club. In a preferred embodiment, aprimary laser 42 is aligned with the face center point 310. The primarylaser 42 is positioned by movement of the entire laser assembly 24through use of the horizontal movement device 48 and/or verticalmovement device 50.

Next, at block 266, the face angle of the golf club is determined bymeasuring the distance of a plurality of non-contact displacementmeasuring devices. In a preferred embodiment, lasers 44 and 46 areutilized to determine the face angle, as shown in FIG. 14. The distanceof laser 44 from its point of origin to the face is compared with thedistance of laser 46 from its point of origin to the face. If laser 44is on the toe side of the face and laser 46 is on the heel side of theface, then if the distance of laser 44 is longer than the distance oflaser 46 the face angle is open. Alternatively, if laser 44 is on thetoe side of the face and laser 46 is on the heel side of the face, thenif the distance of laser 44 is short than the distance of laser 46, theface angle is closed. Yet further, if the distance of laser 44 and thedistance of laser 46 are equal, then the face angle is neutral orsquare. The face angle will be displayed on the operator interfaceterminal 122, as shown in FIG. 15.

From the foregoing it is believed that those skilled in the pertinentart will recognize the meritorious advancement of this invention andwill readily understand that while the present invention has beendescribed in association with a preferred embodiment thereof, and otherembodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings, numerous changes,modifications and substitutions of equivalents may be made thereinwithout departing from the spirit and scope of this invention which isintended to be unlimited by the foregoing except as may appear in thefollowing appended claims. Therefore, the embodiments of the inventionin which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined inthe following appended claims.

1. A method for measuring the face angle of a golf club, a golf clubhead or a face component, the method comprising: orienting the golfclub, the golf club head or the face component on a base plate of anapparatus; aligning a face center locating device with a center point ofa face of the golf club, golf club head or the face component; anddetermining the face angle of the golf club, golf club head or facecomponent by measuring the distance of a plurality of non-contactdisplacement measuring devices, at least two of the plurality ofnon-contact displacement measuring devices positioned on opposite sidesof the face center locating device.
 2. The method according to claim 1wherein the face center locating device and the plurality of non-contactdisplacement measuring devices are lasers.
 3. A method for measuring theface angle of a golf club, the method comprising: placing a golf clubhead of the golf club on a base plate of an apparatus; placing a shaftof the golf club in a shaft support assembly; aligning the shaft with alie angle of a golf club on a lie scale plate of the apparatus;centering the shaft of the golf club within a shaft center sensorassembly of the apparatus; aligning a face center locating device with acenter point of a face of the golf club; and determining the face angleof the golf club by measuring the distance of a plurality of non-contactdisplacement measuring devices, at least two of the plurality ofnon-contact displacement measuring devices positioned on opposite sidesof the face center locating device.
 4. The method according to claim 3wherein the face center locating device and the plurality of non-contactdisplacement measuring devices are lasers.
 5. The method according toclaim 3 wherein the golf club head of the golf club is placed on a tackysurface of the base plate.
 6. The method according to claim 3 whereincentering the shaft within the shaft center sensor assembly comprisesmoving the base plate forward, rearward and laterally.
 7. The methodaccording to claim 3 wherein aligning the face center locating devicecomprises moving a non-contact displacement measuring assemblyvertically and horizontally relative to the base plate.
 8. A method formeasuring the face angle of a golf club head, the method comprising:attaching a mandrel to golf club head, the mandrel simulating a shaftfor the golf club head; placing the golf club head on a smooth surfaceof a base plate of an apparatus; placing the mandrel attached to thegolf club in a shaft support assembly; aligning the mandrel with a lieangle for the golf club head on a lie scale plate of the apparatus;centering the mandrel attached to the golf club head within a shaftcenter sensor assembly of the apparatus; aligning a face center locatingdevice with a center point of a face of the golf club head; anddetermining the face angle of the golf club head by measuring thedistance of a plurality of non-contact displacement measuring devices,at least two of the plurality of non-contact displacement measuringdevices positioned on opposite sides of the face center locating device.9. A method for measuring the face angle of a face component of a golfclub head, the method comprising: attaching a mandrel to face component,the mandrel simulating a shaft for the golf club head; placing the facecomponent on a smooth surface of a base plate of an apparatus; placingthe mandrel attached to the face component in a shaft support assembly;aligning the mandrel with a lie angle for the golf club head on a liescale plate of the apparatus; centering the mandrel attached to the facecomponent within a shaft center censor assembly of the apparatus;aligning a face center locating device with a center point of a face ofthe golf club head; and determining the face angle of the face componentby measuring the distance of a plurality of non-contact displacementmeasuring devices, at least two of the plurality of non-contactdisplacement measuring devices positioned on opposite sides of the facecenter locating device.